Multiple factors shape the elevational distribution patterns of mountain ungulates in Southwest China

Abstract

Understanding the factors driving species distribution patterns and diversity is fundamental to community ecology and prerequisite for undertaking biodiversity conservation and resource management. The mountains of Southwest China exhibit substantial environmental heterogeneity and harbor an exceptionally rich variety wildlife, making this an ideal region for studying species distribution and diversity. To investigate those factors driving wild ungulate diversity and elevational distribution patterns, here we conducted a systematic camera trapping survey from 2013 to 2024 in Gongga Mountain National Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province, China. Ten ungulate species were recorded, with tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus) having the highest relative abundance index. The ungulate species diversity exhibited a hump-shaped distribution pattern along the elevational gradient (2200 m – 4900 m), with peak species richness primarily occurring between 2800 – 3700 m. The elevational distribution pattern of ungulate species richness was primarily driven by three factors: the mid-domain effect, climate conditions, and primary productivity. Our findings on the factors driving elevation patterns in ungulate species richness in the GMNNR provide critical insights into the ecological requirements of ungulates in montane regions generally, useful for informing conservation strategies. Future research on ungulate distribution factors should focus on improving monitoring systems to obtain more comprehensive species data, and on exploring more nuanced impacts of climate and human disturbances.